Rich Brian, The Sailor | Album Review 💿

Standout teenage Indonesian rapper Rich Brian steps up his game on his alluring, eclectic sophomore album, ‘The Sailor.’

At age 16, Rich Brian was the same rapper that offended people with the viral, though controversial single “Dat $tick”.  What made “Dat $tick” controversial was the teen’s use of the n-word (“Rogue wave on you niggas…”).  A misstep, he’d rebound with a host of other singles, and eventually a promising debut album in 2018 (Amen).  Now, following the release of two stellar singles in “Yellow” and “Kids”, Brian takes another step forward artistically on his alluring, eclectic sophomore album, The Sailor. 

“The Sailor”

✓ “The Sailor” kicks off the album with a bang.  Rich Brian drops an electrifying, profane verse which features such eyebrow-raising lyrics like “Woke up with a bitch, we didn’t have a conversation, man / She just creamed on my dick.” Charming.  Things completely change on the dramatic outro, which has more alternative, indie sensibilities beyond hip-hop.  It’s lushly produced, featuring Queen-like harmonized vocals, strings, and later anchored by a heavy beat. “Rapapapa” follows, finding Brian thinking with his pants throughout (“Then I hit it from the back, got it clappin’, pa-pa-pa-pa”). A banger that finds him paying ode to Missy Elliott, it also has a distinct change of pace thanks to an outro by RZA.  Notably, RZA has high praise for Brian and 88rising:

“Keep shinin’, keep surprisin’ and energizin’ the generation
Keep the 88rising, and risin’, and risin’…”

“The Sailor” and “Rapapapa” are both well-rounded, but ✓ “Yellow” is a show stopper.  Lengthy at nearly five minutes in duration, the production alone (Bēkon and The Donuts) is gorgeous – epic to the nth degree. Rich Brian also deserves credit for his adventurous, dramatic singing performance, which is totally uncharacteristic, yet incredibly captivating on the first verse.  The second verse finds him contrasting incorporating mostly aggressive, un-pitched rhymes.  Matching his shift is a change in the backdrop.  Bēkon actually closes out “Yellow” with some sweet vocals, followed by superb, soaring orchestral production.

“Kids”

“R.I.P. Nipsey, R.I.P. Mac / These inspirations always gon’ motivate me to rap / Let’s celebrate their lives and the people that they impact…”  That’s one of many notable bars from single ✓ “Kids”, which features soulful production work with dusty drums and lush sounds (piano, robust bass line, horns, and synths). Even with a loop in play, the backdrop features contrasts that keeps things intriguing. Brian brings oomph and punch to his performance. He exhibits an excellent flow, riding the beat well: “Amazon Prime flow, you know I’ll always deliver…” Worth noting, there is no chorus; Brian drops straight bars for the most part, though a bridge section divides the first and second verses.  With plenty of notable bars, a favorite is:

“Generations to sacrifice, that we’ll always remember
It’s that circle of life shit, they hold me up like I’m Simba.”

Following the soulful, luxurious “Kids” is a tall task.  ✓ “Drive Safe” is up to the challenge by all means, delivering one of the most beautiful records of The Sailor.  Rich Brian’s singing vocals are quite lovely, particularly on the chorus.  The deepness and richness of his pipes is quite impressive, not to mention the excellence of the song itself.  “Uh, blow me like confettis / On that green-green, man, I got the absinthe in me…” The best way to characterize follow-up ✓ “Confetti” is BANGER, period.  Rich Brian is chocked-full of confidence, particularly on the aforementioned chorus, which later continues:

“Pull up to the Grammys in a brand-new Honda Civic
Ain’t got time to give a fuck or worry ‘bout my image
I’m a cut it off I ain’t gettin’ nothin’ from it.”

Interestingly, the chorus is quite melodic, and music theory enthusiasts get a treat – Dorian mode to be exact. Not everyone is a music theorist, so, to reiterate, the biggest takeaway is the confidence, cockiness, and sheer enthusiasm exhibited by the rapper: “I’m sick, I got terminal trill-ness.”

“Vacant” 

“And, girl, it’s time to let it go / ‘Cause I won’t be here no more.” On the brief but compelling “Vacant,” Rich Brian tries to convince this girl that he’s the better choice of man for her over the other, no-good man.  Brian raps during the verses but lends his falsetto on the aforementioned chorus.  Another brief number, “No Worries,” also incorporates singing (chorus) and rapping.  Notably, the second verse is longer, and there’s a ‘change of pace,’ keeping things fresh.  Brian digs into his rhymes more, taking an edgier approach.  Keeping things short but sweet, “100 Degrees” is irresistible with its pop sensibilities and a potent chorus:

“It’s a hundred degrees
Why you feelin’ down? What’s the problem?
We just here to be free
It don’t feel like this often
Bumpin’ to the radio with the air so cold as the moonlight glows
No, we don’t give a fuck, we ain’t gotta change a thing no more.”

“Slow Down Turbo”

Hitting the fourth quarter of The Sailor, ✓ “Slow Down Turbo” is the most experimental song on the album.  There are three verses performed by Rich Brian, all of which feature its own distinct backdrop.  Additionally, there are different tempos and effects in play that definitely make this ear-catching.  There are more ‘accessible,’ crowd pleasing records on The Sailor, but “Slow Down Turbo” definitely stands out.  Speaking of more accessible, Brian sounds awesome on ✓ “Curious,” arguably the most reflective song on the album.  “I miss my family, miss my home,” he raps at one point, continuing, “Wish I could visit a little more / The journey’s 20 hours, flight too long / I only get to see ‘em on the phone.”

The Sailor concludes with “Where Does the Time Go,” pairing Rich Brian with his 88rising roster mate, Joji.  Additionally – as he has throughout The Sailor – Bēkon contributes his vocal prowess as well, specifically on the chorus.  He also produces alongside The Donuts once again, with marvelous results.  Not only is the production good, but the vocals are sweet, and Brian continues to bloom artistically.

Final Thoughts

All in all, The Sailor is an impressive sophomore album by Rich Brian.  Artistically, the Indonesian rapper exhibits quite a bit of growth from Amen which was a strong debut by my estimations.  What makes The Sailor so intriguing is the eclecticism and the fact that Brian chose not to drop a straightforward rap album. There’s lots to dig about The Sailor.

✓ Gems: “The Sailor,” “Yellow,” “Kids,” “Drive Safe,” “Confetti,” “Slow Down Turbo” & “Curious”

Rich Brian • The Sailor • 88rising / 12Tone Music • Release: 7.26.19

Photo Credits: 88rising / 12Tone Music